The river press., 1887-12-07
THE F1rr1ErH CONGRESS.
An Interesting Account of the opening Fro-
ceedings of Both Houses--Cariisie nc
elected Speaker of the House.
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON, December 5.-Ihe senate
chamber wore a fresh and tasteful ap-
pearance this morning. The floors ana
galleries were newly carpeted, and the
desks glistened in coat OF new Varnlsh'
the odor of which mingled family Win
that of the bouquets and gorgeous t1oral
devices which enlivened the picture. Inc
senators began to arrive and take their
seats before II o'clock, Senators Stewart
and Hiscock being the first comers. For
an hour before noon the floor was a busy
scene, members Of both parties, their
friends and the officers of the senate tax
ing this occasion to exchange greetings
and compare notes. The chief topic OF
conversation with the majority was the
prospect of conflict over the admission
of certain democratic senator's s-elect, and
II earlv became known that the repubh-
cans in default of any caucus plan Of ac-
tion. had concluded to follow the lead OF
the members of their committee on priv
ileees and elections. There had been in
formal consultations, it was understood,
and they had reached the conclusion to-
make no opposition to the admission OF
Turpie of Indiana, but to object to the
admission of Faulkner, of West Virginia,
on the ground that there were conf1lctlng
credentials from that state. The general
opinion was that there would be no dead
lock and the usual course of opening pro- |
ceedings would not be broken. The gal
leries we're early crowded to overt1oWlng.
Mrs. Cleveland, clad in a costume OF dark
green, accompanied by Mrs. Gildea, Mrs.
Rinpsford and several other ladies occu-
pied seats reserved for the family of the
president in one of the private galleries.
The diplomatic galleries we're filled by
members Of the various legations. The |
front seat was occupied by the Chinese
minister, his secretary and his associates.
He wore magnificent robe of light blue
satin and his companions were clad as
richly, though in more subdued colors.
The proceedings Of the day were opened
with prayer by the chaplain, Rev. j. G.
Butler The president of the senate, Mr.,
Ingalls,, then took the chair and called the
senate to order. He said he. would place
before the senate certificates Of election,
certificates OF appointments and other inn
portant papers received since the adjourn
ment. In swearing the senators-e elect,
Senator Hoar made objection to the ad-
E 4ho 4n Of
West, Virginia, until certain questions to
which his credentials gave rise could be
passed upon by the committee on prlvl-
leges and elections. AS member OF that
committee he assured the senate that the
matter should receive immediate atten-
ton from the committee and that if the
gentleman was found to have been enti-
tied to his seat he could enter upon his
duties without unnecessary delay. Sena-
tor Kenna said that the course proposed
by the senator from Massachusetts seem
ed eminently appropriate and he trusted
would be followed. This course was fol-
lowed and the call of senators-elect pro-
ceeded The oath was administered to
Mr. Turpie, of Indiana, and he took his
seat. All papers in the case were referred
to the committee on privileges and cleo
tions.
HOUSE,
WASHINGTON, December 5.-Long be-
fore noon the gallery was crowded
to it's utmost capacity with spectators
drawn together to witness the opening
scenes of the new congress. The ladies
were in the majority and their costumes
lent an air of animation to the chambers
On the floor members congregated and ex-
changed congratulations. There were very
fine floral decorations on the desks Of the
members. The clerk proceed with the
roll call. The house having elected Carl
isle speaker, that gentleman made a
speech of thanks for the honor conferred
upon him, in which he directed attention
to the important labor which would de
yolve on the present congress and dealt
with minuteness on the imperative neces-
sity of such a reasonable reduction OF the
tariff as would guard the laboring people
against the effects of financial depres-
sion. and in the meantime not deprive
them of any part of the just reward of
toll. The work of organizing the house
then proceeded.
Horrible Accident on Tongue River.